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The aim of this study was to determine: (1) differences in anthropometric characteristics and agility between different functional classes of wheelchair basketball players and (2) the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and agility with the functional classification of wheelchair basketball players. The sample of participants consisted of 40 wheelchair basketball players, aged 33.9 ± 11.2 years. Anthropometric characteristics (longitudinal and circular dimensions, as well as skinfold thickness) were assessed, and agility was measured using the modified T-test and Figure-of Eight test. The results of the one-way analysis of variance showed significant differences with very large effects between players of different functional classes in body mass, sitting height, and sitting reach height, while significant differences with large effects were recorded in the agility assessment tests: the T-test and the Figure-of-Eight test. Also, the results of the correlation analysis indicate that there are significant moderate positive correlations of sitting height and reaching height with functional classification.

Cilјevi ovog istraživanja su bili da se utvrde: (1) razlike u antropometrijskim karakteristikama i agilnosti između različitih funkcionalnih klasa košarkaša u kolicima i (2) povezanost između antropometrijskih karakteristika i agilnosti sa funkcionalnom klasifikacijom košarkaša u kolicima. Uzorak ispitanika činilo je 40 košarkaša u kolicima, uzrasta 33.9 ± 11.2 godina. Procenjivane su antropometrijske karakteristike (longitudionalne i cirkularne dimenzije, kožni nabori), a za procenu agilnosti korišćeni su modifikovani T-test i osmica test. Rezultati jednosmerne analize varijanse ukazuju na postojanje značajnih razlika sa veoma velikim efektima između igrača različitih funkcionalnih klasa kod telesne mase, sedeće visine i sedeće dohvatne visine, dok su značajne razlike sa velikim efektima zabeležene kod testova za procenu agilnosti: T-testa i osmice testa. Takođe, rezultati korelacione analize ukazuju na to da postoje značajne umerene pozitivne korelacije sedeće visine i dohvatne visine sa funkcionalnom klasifikacijom.

The development of fine motor skills of preschool children is extremely important, because this ability refers to the coordination of small muscle groups of the hands, which are used in performing tasks such as writing, coloring and cutting. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of phonetic gymnastics program on the development of fine motor skills of preschool children. The research was conducted on a sample of 30 respondents, children attending a younger educational group. The experimental program consisted of a phonetic gymnastics activities which consisted of three parts: introductory, main and final part of the activity, and was conducted for 12 weeks. The introductory part of the activity lasted for about five minutes and a complex of shaping exercises was conducted in it, followed by speaking exercises, e.g. imitating the blowing wind (whizz), the flying bee (buzz) and others. The main part of the activity lasted for 20 minutes, and in this part, various moving and speaking games and songs were used, in order to stimulate children's interest. For the purpose of this research, two subtests from the battery of BOT2 tests (Bruinkins – Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition) were applied: fine motor integration and manual dexterity. The obtained results confirmed the positive influence of programmed phonetic gymnastics on the fine motor skills of preschool children. The implementation of this type of treatment in preschool institutions would be of great benefit, especially because it is relatively short (about 30 minutes) and does not require special equipment and space.

Since early childhood is regarded as an important period of motor and cognitive development, understanding the effects of physical activity on motor abilites and cognitive development in preschool children has major public health implications. This study investigates the effects of a 12 weeks' yoga intervention program on motor and cognitive abilities in preschool children. Preschool children (n = 45; age 5–6 years) attending regular preschool programs were non-randomly assigned to yoga intervention (n = 23; 30 min sessions three times per week) or a control group (n = 22; no additional organized physical activity program). Exercise training for the intervention group included yoga program. Motor abilities (BOT-2 subtests: fine motor integration, manual dexterity, balance and bilateral coordination), and cognitive abilities (School Maturity Test subtests: visual memory, stacking cubes and codes) were assessed before and after the intervention period in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Participants in the intervention group improved fine motor integration (p = 0.022), fine motor skills in general (0.029), bilateral coordination (0.000), balance (0.000), and body coordination (0.000). Preschool children's participation in the preschool yoga intervention significantly improved their motor abilities, but not their cognitive abilities.

Purpose: Research has suggested that in female athletes from aesthetic sports the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes is higher than in female athletes from other sports, mainly due to sport related factors like extreme training and practicing sports associated with high pressure and the idea that “being thin leads to success”. The study was conducted to examine the prevalence of disturbed eating attitudes and their relationship with body image concerns in aesthetic and non-aesthetic female athletes. Methods: 54 female athletes from aesthetic sports (synchronized swimming, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, and dance), as well as 66 female athletes from non-aesthetic sports (volleyball, track and field, and soccer), completed the Eating Attitudes Test, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Figure Rating Scale (a visual scale used to assess body image dissatisfaction and body image dissatisfaction in relation to sport). Results: The results indicated that aesthetic athletes scored significantly higher than those involved in non-aesthetic sports in Dieting, and in Body Image Dissatisfaction. Moreover, aesthetic athletes demonstrated significantly lower BMI mean scores. Significant correlations were found between Body Mass Index and Oral Control, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Body Image Dissatisfaction in relation to Sport, and between Eating Attitudes Test and the Body Shape Questionnaire results in aesthetic athletes. Furthermore, significant associations were found between Body Mass Index and Body Shape Questionnaire, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Body Image Dissatisfaction in relation to Sport, and Eating Attitudes Test and Body Shape Questionnaire in non-aesthetic athletes. Conclusion: The study confirmed the relationship between body image concerns and pathological eating attitudes among female aesthetic sport athletes.

The objective of this research was to examine a 12-week exercise program and its impact on the motor proficiency and cognitive abilities of preschool children with overweight and normal weight. The study involved a total of 71 participants who were preschool children enrolled in a longitudinal study. Body mass index (BMI) was determined by measuring body height and weight, and the nutritional status of the children was assessed using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria. Motor proficiency encompasses both motor abilities and motor skills, and the assessment of motor abilities was conducted using subtests from the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). These subtests measured fine motor integration, manual dexterity, balance, and bilateral coordination. The evaluation of motor skills involved the utilization of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), which examines both locomotor skills and manipulative skills. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the School Maturity Test (TZS). All participants, regardless of weight status, took part in a 12-week physical exercise program. According to the World Health Organization’s criteria, 52 children (73.2%) were categorized as having a normal weight, while 19 children (26.8%) were classified as overweight. These findings indicate that every fourth child in the study was overweight. Using a statistical analysis called SPANOVA (2 × 2, group × time), differences were observed in three out of eleven variables. Specifically, there were significant differences in two motor skill variables: manipulative skills (p = 0.006) and total movement skills (p = 0.014). Additionally, there was a significant difference in one cognitive ability variable: visual memory (p = 0.010). No significant differences were found in the remaining variables. The findings of this study aimed to contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits of regular exercise on motor and cognitive development in preschool children, specifically examining the differences between overweight and normal-weight children. By investigating these effects, the study could provide valuable insights for educators, parents, and health professionals involved in promoting the overall well-being of preschool-aged children. Regular physical exercise has been found to have positive effects on motor and cognitive abilities in both overweight and normal-weight preschool children.

Proper growth and development of young school children require mastering different skills, especially gross motor skills - basic locomotor and manipulative skills. It is essential to monitor the physical activity of nine-year-old children necessary for further proper development and healthy habits, which will continue into adulthood. This study aims to determine physical activity level, BMI, and gender differences in the performance of gross motor skills in children aged nine years (± six months). The study involved 40 participants (20 girls and 20 boys). Their body height, body weight, and body mass index were 140.46 ± 5.72 cm; 37.84 ± 8.21 cm; and 19.09 ± 3.56, respectively. All participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and performed the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2), and two sub-tests of BOT-2 (Speed and Agility and Upper-Limb Coordination). T-test for independent samples was used to compare groups according to physical activity level (physically active and inactive group) and explore interactions with gender and BMI, and gross motor skills variables. F-values, p-values, and partial eta squared (ɳ2) values were reported as MANOVA outcomes. The results showed a significant difference between physical activity level and locomotor skills but not in manipulative skills. Further research should focus on various exercise programs that contribute to developing skills and participation in organized physical activity of children of different ages.

Background. Monitoring the abilities of typically developed children is very important. Methods. This study aimed to determine the levels and differences in motor coordination of the upper extremities between first and third-grade primary school children using the subtest of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT-2). The sample included 79 healthy subjects of both sexes, chronological age ranging from seven to nine years, body height 134.51 ± 8.43 cm (Mean ± SD), bodyweight 33.01 ± 8.65 kg (Mean ± SD). The Mann–Whitney U test determined differences between groups, for the benefit of the group of third-grade subjects in all upper extremity coordination variables. Results. The results showed that differences in age and biological growth and development in young children in some variables of upper-limb coordination influenced medium size (2ULC, 6ULC, 7ULC), but in most of the variables examined they had great influence (1ULC. 3ULC, 4ULC, 5ULC, TULC) according to Cohen’s criterion. Conclusion. It can be concluded that well-organized and expertly guided physical activities, as well as regular testing of children when it comes to developing coordination, can influence early detection of movement difficulties and eliminate problems in acquiring new coordination skills, and thus create an appropriate base for engaging in sports activities while growing up. Keywords: motor development, coordination, physical education.

Background. The aim of this research was to examine differences between athletes’ perception of coaching behaviors in individual and team sports. Methods. College athletes (N = 100) participated in the study. Three questionnaires were administered to the athletes: Demographic questionnaire, Leadership Scale for Sports and Negative Coaching Behavior Questionnaire. Results. The results of this study revealed the significant differences among athletes’ perception of coaching behaviors in individual and team sports. Individual athletes in this study gave higher ratings to training and instruction, social support and positive feedback leader behavior from their coaches. Also, athletes from individual sports had smaller scores on two dimensions and total score of negative coaching behavior questionnaire. Conclusion. Those findings suggest that the behavior of the coach directed towards improving the performance of athletes` was higher evaluated from athletes in individual sports. Further studies should provide more information about coaches’ behavior during the competitive. Keywords: myostatin deficiency, food withdrawal, starvation, muscle atrophy.

Introduction: This research aimed to determine the impact of horseback riding on the balance ability of first-grade students. Material and methods: Fifty-eight students were divided into two sub-groups: twenty-eight riders and thirty non-riders. The subtest of balance is composed of nine items which were grouped into five variables: Total balance, Static balance, Dynamic balance, and Open and Closed eyes balance. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the significance of the difference between the groups, and the strength of the effect of intergroup differences was determined using the Cohen criteria. Results: The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between groups in Total balance, Static, and Balance with closed eyes. Cohen's criterion indicates that there was a strong effect of intergroup differences in performance demanding balance tasks of 7-year-old children. Conclusion: It can be observed that horseback riding has the effect of reducing the difference between the maximum and minimum balance points by enhancing competencies at the minimum level.

The aim of the study was to give more informations about jumping abilities of youngfemale gymnasts. We examine age-related differences in some variables of counter-movementjump (CMJ) and counter-movement jump with arm swing (CMJA), between two age categoriesof young female gymnasts (n=47) and also reliability of testing vertical jump in gymnasts. Thestudy was conducted on an international competition. Our research has shown that age-relateddifferences were observed only in height of the jumps, but not in power output of both jumps anddisplacement of depth of body’s center of gravity. Jumping capabilities are crucial in gymnasticsin all levels of competitions and in all categories of gymnasts. Testing and periodical monitoringof young athletes’ abilities are important for defining the training programmes adapted to theneeds of gymnastics and the age of the gymnasts.